The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses
Designer bags aren't just an aesthetic accessory, they can be a great investment. If you buy a classic bag, and maintain it with care the value of it will increase as time passes.
To assist you in making the right decision, we've put together the top designers to look at. We sourced information from trusted luxury resale websites like Rebag, The RealReal and What Goes Around Comes Around.
Designer Bags: A Brief Background
Handbags became more popular as women started to work outside the home. They were also used to carry money, makeup, and other essentials. Bags evolved over time from bags that were worn around the waist of Ancient Egypt to what we know today as designer handbags.
In the 1950s when more designers stepped into the market, handbags began to evolve from being practical and become status symbols. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly gained an image of bold, beautiful bags that were sought-after by socialites. The popularity of brand bags resulted in the creation of iconic styles which are still found in many wardrobes.
During WWII purse designs changed slightly since manufacturers made use of less metal and other materials to make the bags that were required to carry war supplies. The end of the war brought a new era of freedom for young people, and rules regarding what could be carried around by women were looser. Bags that were considered out of fashion in the past, like drawstring bags made from plastic or wicker became popular because women were in a position to experiment with their own fashion.
In the 60s, youth culture as well as hippie attitudes affected fashion trends. A variety of innovative bags were created. Designers tapped into the creative and innovative spirit of the 60s by using chainmail, vinyl, leather and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the free-spirited attitude of the era.
In the 1990s designer bags were back on the agenda and became a significant element of the fashion industry. Numerous designers revamped classic designs, such as the boxy structured purse, to create more modern and contemporary designs. YSL's Muse bag, for example was a huge success in the decade and is still found on the shoulders of models and celebrities today.
Designer bags are named after famous people. Once they become well-known, sales rise. For instance, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who desired a certain style. When a style is deemed to be a 'it bag', it could take weeks, or even months to get your hands on one due to the demand.
Iconic Designer Bags
In contrast to many fashion trends, which come and go at breakneck speed Designer bags with a classic design have a lifespan that can last decades. These timeless, sought-after bags are a great investment if you aren't able to be without an expensive bag or wish to add a touch of timeless style to your wardrobe.
One of the most recognizable designer bags around is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after the actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, became famous on the arm princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of pregnancy. The Birkin bag is highly sought-after today, with long waiting lists and is believed to be one of the most famous designer handbags ever made.
Other designer bags that have earned the status of an It bag include Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag in box leather, Chloe's Marcie bag that has an eclectic style and large handles, and Givenchy's Pandora Bag with a box-inspired shape and tassels referencing Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being spotted by influencers and celebrities and influencers, is another well-known designer bag that is also gaining popularity with millennials.
While Valentino's Rockstud bag was once a cult fashion item The brand has shifted away from its signature style and has introduced other iconic bags, including the rectangular Galleria Saffiano tote and the more modern Cleo. Miu Miu’s Metalasse bag with its ruched pattern, is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on numerous runways during the last season.
The brand was founded in 1952 and is known for its fashion-forward clothing with couture details. Its signature feminine but casual look can be seen in its bags. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag pays homage to the brand's most famous model. Its supple leather and gold chain strap will elevate any outfit.
Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Knot Clut is a simple clutch that takes eight hours to weave using the intrecciato technique which is exclusive to this Italian label. The bag is the perfect blend of style and practicality thanks to its sleek design and minimalist hardware.
Designer Bag Brands
If you are an avid fashionista you'll know that purses can be more than functional accessories. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you're a fashion-forward person with impeccable taste and fashion. These designer bags are made using high-quality materials and possess a distinctive design.
There are a variety of fashion designers that are known for their stunning bags. The iconic designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel are household names, there are many more that are not. Tory Burch, for example is a prestigious brand known for its feminine women's clothing and accessories that exude class. The bags of the brand have a perfect balance between functionality and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo, and classic silhouettes.
Other luxury fashion brands that have made their marks with fashionable designer bags include Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Proenza Schouler, which was established in 2002, is a modern brand that is renowned for its distinctive design and CFDA award-winning styles. Designer bags from the brand are modernized versions of classic designs. Examples include the Gilda Mini Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion brand that was founded in 1959. The company is renowned for its feminine women's clothes and ultra-popular bags like the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Givenchy Pandora Bag.
Other brands have also created their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. For example, Staud, which was founded in the year 2018, is a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity for its modern and playful style of bag design. The bags of the brand feature a unique mix of sophistication and fun that attracts young fashionistas.
There are also many other designer bags brands that have made an impact in the world of fashion, like Moschino and Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you hire designer bags according to the season. The designer bags are a blend of contemporary and classic styles. The brand provides various sizes and colors. The company also offers a selection of vegan bags that are becoming increasingly popular among fashion designers.
The Best Designer Bags
A designer bag can be a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags are available in a variety of shapes, styles and colors that will suit any occasion. This collection includes both brand new items that have impressed fashion experts as well as some classics that have been sought-after for decades.
According to a resale data report from The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and the Prada Saffiano Tote are still highly sought-after by both the public and the critics.
For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The purse is constructed from the brand's signature intrecciato material but with a more literal twist: the strap is tied into a knot that adds interest to the design. The bag is available in a variety of colors, but the black version with gold YSL monogram is a real classic.
The Loewe puzzle bag is a different bag worth a look. It combines functionality and geometric shapes. It is described as "a work of art" by its designer the bag's geometric design is said to require 75 distinct leather parts and a whole amount of expertise to make. The bag is a favourite of fashion-conscious celebrities, such as Beyonce and Sienna Miller.
Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has seen its products featured on front of the fashion week runways, including the LouLou toy bag. This simple but impressive crossbody bag, named in honor of the muse for the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is both practical and timeless thanks to its directional stitching.
Many stars have been seen in bags from other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a couple of examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.
Whether you're looking for a brand new party-ready McQueen clutch or make a statement with a Chanel bag, these bags are the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. From fashionable shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels, to roomy designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags at Saks is sure to provide something for everyone.